Ever since I was around 12 I was smitten by the love of music and started collecting vinyl; first 7" singles, then LPs and occasional cassettes and 12" singles. Later I graduated onto CDs and someday when downloads and iTunes or another usable playback engine exceed CD quality (and not just higher bitrate versions of the same tracks!) I will switch again.
I was lucky to be at university in the late 70's and saw many iconic bands, the Clash, Ramones, Talking Heads, Zappa, Pink Floyd to name a few. But everyone did, it wasn't special back then, concerts cost a few pounds at most. Like many also I tuned into John Peel, waited for Thursday so I could curse Top of the Tops for not playing proper music, moan at the hippies on the Old Grey Whistle Test and spend hours in record stores - I'd still do the same today given half a chance, although I now listen to most of the old hippies and appreciate them a lot more than back then.
Around about the same time I got my first guitar, a sunburst Fender Stratocaster. Like a fool I sold it after a couple of years to buy a stereo system. I can't remember the year of manufacture, so I am hoping it was an early 70's one and not a '63 - or even a 50's one, otherwise I may have to cry. Since then I have bought and sold a few more, learnt to play again, properly this time. It's a great way to switch off, blank out work pressures and reconnect with physical as well as mental skills. And of course make a lot of noise. Sorry neighbours.
Now I have a modest, but varied, collection of vintage guitars that sometimes follow a theme, but mostly have a story that appeals to me. Some are collectable, others might be one day. Most were made in small numbers, but others were mass produced. Some belinged to famous musicians, others were played on famous tracks. One recurring them though is that they are played and not locked away, although I probably should.
I haven't bought any new ones for a while, but I have a mental list of what I would love. I still don't have a Fender. A '63 Strat would be wonderful, but that's too expensive. Perhaps a Lake Placid Blue Jaguar instead. I also would love an Alembic 6 string and a white Parker Fly pre-refined, but then again a Dan Armstrong Plexiglass or a Veillette-Citron would hit the mark.
Occasionally I record myself when I think I have a good riff going, but sadly I can't sing, so I will have to relegate myself to the Hank Marvin stable of intrumentalists. I also don't practice enough, scales are not my thing, but I know I should.
